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The UK has recorded a further 21,331 COVID-19 cases, up from 18,804 yesterday, official government figures show.
There were also 241 other deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus proof, triples the figure published Monday when 80 were registered.
It’s the highest number of daily deaths since 258 were reported on June 5, but there is often a delay in reporting deaths over a weekend, causing an increase in the first part of the week.
The last figures bring the total number of COVID-19 cases in the UK to 762,542 and total deaths to 43,967.
Commenting on the latest spike in reported deaths, Dr Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director of Public Health England, said: “The trend in deaths is increasing dramatically.
“Tragically, we know that older people and those with underlying health problems tend to suffer more if they get sick.
“We all have a responsibility to follow the restrictions to help stop the spread of the virus to those most at risk.
“The measures throughout the country are there to reduce the transmission of the virus, so it is essential that we all follow them.
“We know that the best and easiest way to protect each other is to wash our hands regularly, wear a face cover when necessary, and keep space between us.”
Separate figures released by UK statistical agencies show that 59,000 deaths have now been recorded in the UK where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
According to NHS England figures released Tuesday, 134 people who tested positive for coronavirus have died in hospital, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths reported in hospitals to 31,181.
The patients were between 36 and 100 years old. All but six, ages 68 to 91, had known underlying health problems.
The deaths occurred between October 13 and 19. Five other deaths were reported without a positive COVID-19 test result.
Public Health Wales said 10 more deaths had been reported, with the total number of deaths since the start of the pandemic rose to 1,722.
According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, weekly coronavirus-linked deaths have risen to their highest level in England and Wales since early July.
A total of 438 deaths were recorded in the week ending October 9 with COVID-19 mentioned on the death certificate.
This represents an increase of 321 deaths in the week through October 2.
The 117 additional deaths mark a 36% increase in deaths from the previous week.
